The 10 Best Brunch Spots in Riga, Latvia

Riga has become famous for its great nightlife, attracting visitors from all over the world, but after a good night out a great breakfast must always follow. Read on for our selection of the top breakfast and brunch spots in the Latvian capital, a city full of history and beautiful architecture. Our picks go from French-style breakfasts and high-end brunches to comforting diner-style food, so there’s something for everyone.

Cadets de Gascogne

This cafe’s name betrays its French origin from the onset: it’s a reference to Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, and it boasts the best French-style breakfast in Riga. The croissants wouldn’t be out of place in Paris, and the pains au chocolat are probably some of the best anyone can find this far from the City of Lights. The macarons are highly recommended for those with a sweet tooth. The cafe also provides French and Latvian newspapers and books.

CityDiner

For something completely different, check out CityDiner. As its name implies, it styles itself as a 1950s American diner and thus serves the delicious yet greasy food found all over North America. It’s perfect for a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning, especially after a night out, especially considering breakfast is served all day. Its location near the university makes it a favorite with local students, but it’s also close enough to the Old Town to be convenient for travelers.

Mierā

Mierā means ‘peace’ in Latvian and this cafe definitely lives up to its name. It’s actually named after the street it’s on, Miera, but the relaxed and cozy atmosphere make the name all the more appropriate, as does the friendly service. The pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings, a local favorite, is highly recommended. The rest of the menu veers towards a Continental-style breakfast, with fresh croissants and cakes. Plants, books, and accessories like frames and jewelry boxes add to the relaxing ambiance.

Miit

Miit is know for excellent coffee, vegetarian food, and bicycles, because the space doubles as a bike shop, but let’s focus on the stellar breakfast offerings. Here too, Miit shines: there’s not only award-winning coffee but also an all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet every weekday from 8am, with omelettes, fresh bread, couscous and fresh salad or porridge. There’s also a pancake brunch on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Bergs

Bergs, part of the eponymous hotel, offers a sophisticated experience in an impeccable setting. The food is exquisite and the service is nothing but excellent. Decorated in an understated contemporary style, its location in Riga’s business center, ten minutes away from the Old Town, makes it perfect for visiting businessmen but also for anyone looking for a little calm away from the busy city center. For breakfast, visitors can choose between the gourmet breakfast and the brunch menu. The latter, served from 7.30am to 11am, is a buffet comprised of hot and cold breakfast staples as well as hot appetizers made to order, while the former, available on Saturdays and Sundays, offers brunch classics like eggs Benedict and mimosas.

Domini Canes

Sit down in this historic townhouse or at its outdoor terrace in the summer for an affordable, good-quality breakfast. Located in the Old Town next door to a former Dominican monastery and opposite Saint Peter’s Church, Domini Canes offers one of the best breakfasts in this part of the city, focusing on traditional Baltic and Eastern European dishes instead of international classics. Even better, everything is surprisingly affordable compared to the rest of the Old Town.

Biblioteka 1

Breakfast is pretty good, but how about breakfast AND books? Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? Fortunately, this dream has been made reality at Biblioteka 1, right next to the Vērmanes Garden at the edge of the Old Town. It’s a beautiful setting at any time of year, but being able to sit on the terrace in warm weather is a highlight. The Sunday brunch is made with fresh ingredients every Saturday and Sunday morning, and includes an alcoholic apéritif.

Piens

One of the most popular clubs and bars in Riga is also a restaurant. Brunch aficionados should definitely try the Sunday brunch, a constantly evolving assortment of seasonal brunch and breakfast food concocted by chef Maris Jansons. The decoration takes guests back to the 30s, but the cuisine is more akin to a modern interpretation of Latvian and international classics. Though not in the Old Town, Piens is in a good location for travelers, allowing them to discover the trendy and modern side of the Latvian capital.

Locale

Locale has made it its mission to create an Italian version of traditional Latvian cuisine. The result is surprisingly appealing, bringing a little Mediterranean warmth to cold Latvia. The Sunday brunch is a selection of antipasti, main course and desserts, with sweet dishes such as omelettes and pancakes or savory ones like smoked ham. All this comes with a glass of prosecco. For those who don’t fancy alcohol with their brunch, Locale also has a fairly large selection of tea and coffee.

Boulangerie Bonjour

The French chef at this boulangerieand patisserie serves delicious sweet and savory French pastries from early morning — ideal for a quick but tasty breakfast before going to work or exploring Riga. There are also salads and panini for those looking for something a little more consistent. Guests can choose to eat in the main room on the ground floor or on the balcony upstairs.